A non-governmental organisation, Women Empowerment Educational Network (WEEN), Sokoto State, has condemned the Senate’s continued backing of the contentious Frivolous Petitions Bill popularly referred to as Social Media Bill among Nigerians.
The group, which urged the Senate to drop the bill, also called on the Upper Chamber to apologise to Nigerians for backing such a controversial bill.
The contentious bill seeks to punish anyone that falsely accuses a government official of corruption with seven years’ imprisonment, 2-year jail term or both.
However, speaking to journalists in Sokoto on Wednesday, a ranking member of the NGO, Hajiya Halima Baba, expressed her disappointment with the actions of the Senate, stating that Nigerians expected the distinguished chamber to promote legislation that will better the lives of the average Nigerian and not ensnare him.
She wondered why the members of the Senate could not push legislation that will help realise the change agenda of the present government, bolster security, create jobs and alleviate poverty.
While cautioning the legislators against pushing the bill because of the dangers involved, she said Nigerians will not shy away from defending their right to freedom of speech.
She reminded the Senators that Nigerians were now more politically educated and could determine their political future with their permanent voter’s cards.